As I listened to the speakers at his funeral service, I reflected on an evening where I sat next to him at a banquet. Four things stood out in our conversation that night.

Optimism

Ernie was known for his perpetual optimism, both in baseball and in life. He was certainly well known for his “Let’s play two” quote in baseball and despite all the racism he endured early in his baseball travels, especially in hotels and restaurants, he never lost his optimism for people. He refused to let bitterness, hatred, and negativism in his life.

A number of people approached our table that night and Ernie received each of them with a smile and a kind word. He made them feel like he, Ernie Banks, was genuinely happy to meet them. Later in my life I saw another man meet my children in this very same manner. After a Bulls practice, Michael Jordan signed my children’s t-shirts and kidded with them as if he had known them all his life. Michael may have learned a great deal from observing Ernie and his optimism for his fellow man.

Graciousness

As a steady line of people came to meet him, Ernie never once lost his graciousness. He made time for everyone, answered all their questions, and was glad to do so. He not only did the above, but he was constantly handing out compliments to each person even though he did not know them! He made each person to whom he was talking feel as though he was the only person in the room.

Ernie’s graciousness was so great to see because I had just attended a basketball clinic and observed a nationally known coach who had no time for any of the coaches in attendance. He was both demeaning and obnoxious to his fellow coaches. I wish he had been sitting at our table that night and saw how a Hall of Famer treated people. It would have been a class he missed in college and one he badly needed!

Gratefulness

Ernie spoke only in glowing terms when he began talking about baseball. It was easy to tell how much he loved the game and how genuinely grateful he was for all the game brought to him and his family. It was very refreshing to listen to one of the greats of the game be so grateful.

Too often we hear today’s professional athletes, many of whom because of athletes like Ernie are now earning millions of dollars, complain about playing time, money, lack of respect, and the list goes on. Ernie would have none of that. He was too grateful for the life baseball gave him.

Humility

The primary trait that was so evident in Ernie was his humility. At his funeral service one of Ernie’s former Cub roommates said he was like a radio, i.e. he never stopped talking. He then added that although he was a non-stop talker, he never heard Ernie talk about himself. I would guess he simply let his body of work speak for itself.

I have always liked the maxim, “Don’t tell me; show me.” That is precisely what I have seen in the leaders whom I have respected the most. They roll up their sleeves and get the job done. They don’t talk about what they’re going to do. They simply do it. Then, when it’s accomplished, they don’t talk about their success because it’s never what “they” did. It is what “we” did. Truly great leaders develop the humility of Ernie Banks.

Optimism, graciousness, gratefulness, and humility were the four characteristics I observed in Ernie Banks that evening. Four qualities leaders may want to reflect on.

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

Joe GuraTeacher, Head Basketball Coach Joliet Catholic Academy

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

Joe GuraTeacher, Head Basketball Coach Joliet Catholic Academy

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more